Let’s strengthen accountability in education

A recent panel discussion on the Education Accountability Framework (EAF) in Accra highlighted a crucial aspect of Ghana's education sector: accountability.

Experts in the field emphasised the need for strengthened accountability measures to ensure improved learning outcomes and a quality educational system.

Those who made the call were a former President of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Philippa Larsen; a former acting Director General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Charles Aheto-Tsegah; the Board Chairman of the National Teaching Council, Anis Haffar, and the Dean of Academic City University College, Prof. Enoch Opoku Antwi. They were speaking at a Panel of Experts Discussion on the EAF.

They were of the view that decentralisation of teachers, transparent policy direction and community engagement are essential for effective accountability.

The EAF, developed in 2018, defines roles and responsibilities at all levels to ensure accountability. However, the experts stress that more needs to be done.
Measurable outcomes, data tracking and education management information systems (EMIS) are vital tools for accountability.

Accountability starts with individual character and action, and everyone – parents, teachers, education authorities, and communities – play a role in ensuring holistic education.

The lack of accountability in the education sector has far-reaching consequences, including poor learning outcomes, inadequate teacher training, and inefficient resource allocation. By strengthening accountability measures, Ghana can ensure that its education system is equitable, effective and efficient.

Moreover, accountability promotes transparency and trust among stakeholders, including parents, teachers and communities. When educators and administrators are held accountable for their actions, they are more likely to prioritise student learning and well-being.

The Daily Graphic is of the view that to achieve this, the government must invest in data-driven decision-making and education management information systems (EMIS).

These tools enable policymakers and educators to track student progress, identify areas for improvement and allocate resources effectively.

We also believe that community engagement and participation are crucial for ensuring accountability in education. By involving local stakeholders in the decision-making process, Ghana can tap into their expertise, values and concerns, leading to more responsive and effective education policies.

To ensure the success of accountability measures, the government must also prioritise teacher training and development. Educators must be equipped with the skills and knowledge to meet the diverse needs of their students and enable them to adapt to changing educational landscapes.

Moreover, accountability mechanisms must be fair, transparent and free from political interference. This requires the establishment of independent oversight bodies and the protection of whistleblowers.

In addition, we can learn from international best practices in education accountability. By studying successful models from around the world, policymakers can identify innovative solutions to local challenges and avoid common pitfalls.

By prioritising accountability, transparency and equity, we can create an education system that truly serves the needs of all its citizens. This, in turn, will drive economic growth, social mobility and national development.

Strengthening accountability in our education sector requires a sustained commitment to reform. By working together, educators, policymakers and communities can create a world-class education system that prepares students for success in the 21st century.

Institutionalising accountability demands a multi-pronged approach, aligning with key processes such as school inspection, national assessments, and evidence-based decision-making whose ultimate goal is to improve learning outcomes.

We urge the Ministry of Education and stakeholders to take the experts' recommendations seriously and work towards strengthening accountability in the education sector. Only then can we ensure a quality educational system that benefits all Ghanaians.